Mechanical Design Engineer (R&D)

At Thales, we know technology has the ability to make our world more secure, sustainable, and inclusive – and that it’s all driven by human intelligence.

Because it takes human intelligence to build and power the systems and solutions that people depend on every day. So we stay curious and make space for diverse points of view. We share what we know and we challenge what’s possible.

From manufacturing and engineering to cybersecurity and space, we’re driving progress in some of the world’s most important industries – and working together to build a future we can all trust.

OUR BENEFITS

• Family Friendly Workplace Certified company with Competitive Remuneration.

• Fitness Passport Discount + Employee discounts with a number of affiliates (Travel, Car hire, Tech, Medical Insurance).

• Modernised Paid Parental Leave.

• Veterans Leave.

• Personal & professional training, development and internal growth opportunities.

OUR TEAM

As part of our VTS business, our PRV team is primarily focused on the design, manufacture, delivery and support of protected mobility vehicles on a global scale. We are very proud of everything we do in support of both the Bushmaster and Hawkei platforms as we all work together towards our purpose. Most importantly – be a part of a positive team culture that is focused on our people.

YOUR ROLE:

Come join our growing engineering team as a Mechanical Design Engineer (R&D) based in our Melbourne (WTC) office. This role is a 12 Months Fixed-Term Contract with a possibility to go longer, working within our Product & Strategy team.

This role strengthens Thales’ mechanical engineering capabilities by focusing on the early development and definition of unique vehicle and other tactical systems. The Mechanical Engineer will work with agility to design, develop, and validate innovative components and solutions for medium and heavy military and specialist vehicles, as well as a range of other tactical systems. Emphasis is placed on delivering reliable, customer-focused products that comply with industry standards (e.g., MIL-STD, DEF STAN) while supporting Thales’ commitment to excellence in defense mobility technologies.

Working at our Melbourne WTC office, on Wurundjeri Land, some of your roles and responsibilities include:

• Produce designs and solutions that meet customer requirements and applicable regulations

• Conduct prototyping, trials, and demonstrations of the solutions developed.

• Create, interpret, and optimise precision 3D CAD models (structural, mechanical, electrical) using Creo Parametric.

• Comply with all relevant company policies and procedures.

• Design, develop, and validate components and systems for medium and heavy vehicles using appropriate tools and techniques, working independently or as part of a team under broad professional guidance.

YOUR EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering

• Eligible for NER and CPEng with Engineers Australia

Required Skills:

• Experience in design and manufacturing environments preferably in automotive or similar manufacturing industry.

• Knowledge of engineering materials in relevant area.

• Knowledge of DFMEA, 3D CAD and PLM System and ability to interpret and analysis drawings and technical documents.

• Able to design mechanical or electrical systems and elements for military & specialist vehicles to specified requirements with minimal guidance.

• Understanding of quality systems and procedures and ability to perform first principal engineering calculations.

Desirable Skills:

• Understanding of Defence user community and associated operational environment and trends.

• Execution of the Engineering DDQS (Design, Develop & Qualify the Solution) activities for Sub-Systems and understanding of the principles of Systems Engineering.

• Fundamental knowledge of design principles and practices covering cross-disciplinary areas for instance System Integration, Control Systems, Modelling / Simulation, Drafting / Testing, and by-wire technologies for vehicles.

• Management of PLM and CAD Tools (Creo Schematics, Sheet Metal and Ergonomics).

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO APPLY:

After you have applied, you will receive an email acknowledging your application. We’ll then provide a personalised experience for suitable applicants as we progress the selection and assessment process. Prior to being offered employment, you will need to complete pre-employment police and depending on the role type, medical checks as well.

As a Defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain an appropriate clearance. To learn more about clearances please visit

It’s easy to dismiss the perfect opportunity if you don’t see yourself as the perfect fit. If this role feels right – no matter your background or personal circumstances – please introduce yourself or join our community. We’re committed to supporting a diverse workplace, and that starts here.

We’re proud to be endorsed by WORK180 as an Employer for All Women, but we know there’s always more we can do. We’ll continue to foster industry partnerships, employee resource groups (ERGs) and development opportunities to make Thales a genuinely equitable employer, for everyone.

Read more about our WORK180 endorsement.